LEARNER drivers are being asked to turn up at the new Chester test centre only to find it's not been built yet.

Would-be drivers are having their patience tested to the limit by the Driving Standards Agency because the Seller Street office is currently in a building site.

People have contacted The Chronicle to say it took them a long time to find the entrance because they didn't expect it to be surrounded by wire fencing and only accessible via a wooden gang plank.

On reaching the office, candidates, many of whom have taken time off work, are told their test has been cancelled. Office staff say they were unable to inform them because the phone and computer are not working yet.

The staff themselves can't even use the toilet, make a cup of tea or wash their hands because the water hasn't even been connected. They have been using the facilities of a nearby health centre.

Arthur Harada, who took his son Richard for his theory test, was also flabbergasted by the directions sent out by Pearson Vue, on behalf of the DSA, which is operating the service under franchise.

He said: 'The description starts off explaining how to get there from Mouldsworth Railway Station! And the street name is spelled Sellar Street, instead of Seller Street. And it says it's off Lee Street, which doesn't exist any more, and neither does The Square, which is also mentioned.'

'They are not letting people know the tests are cancelled because they don't have a telephone. The point is, if you don't turn up you lose your fee even if you couldn't have done the test, because they would say you didn't turn up at the appointed time.'

Mr Harada, of Lache Park Avenue, said his son had not lost wages because of the cock-up, but he had to take time out of Queen's Park High School, where he is in the upper sixth form.

Dave Stubbs, of Tiverton, took his daughter for her test and eventually found the centre after asking a workman who felt sorry for the pair.

'He said 'You're not looking for the test centre are you? We're building that,' explained Dave. The workman gave instructions but found father and daughter wandering around minutes later and kindly offered to lead them by the hand.

Dave said: 'They are still building the building by the canal. That's the new test centre! There are no signs or anything. It looks like one of those hotels you see abroad which is still being built. You'd never guess the driving centre was in there.

'How many people will have tried to find the test centre and given up? But if you don't find it, I bet they charge you again next time.'

When they got into the test centre they were told the 'computers are down' and the test couldn't go ahead. 'They never phoned people up to tell them,' said Dave, who added that his daughter had taken half a day off work.

Tony Puckey, manager of Arrow Rider Training, at Boughton, said people taking bookings for theory tests at Pearson's call centre were not all aware the Chester branch was closed and were continuing to send out test dates. He described the affair as a 'ballsup'.

A DSA spokesman said: 'Regrettably, the opening of the new Chester test centre has been delayed for one-and-a-half weeks. The centre is in a new build development, and its opening has been held back by slightly later than expected completion of construction by the developer.

'We apologise unreservedly for any inconvenience to candidates as a result of this delay. We have set up a team of designated agents to contact all Chester candidates and to reschedule their tests. We also have a member of staff present at the centre during normal operating hours, in case any candidates arrive.

'We are committed to rescheduling all tests as quickly as possible, and we plan to extend the centre's opening hours in order to accommodate this. We are also offering candidates the option to take their test at other centres in the area, including Runcorn, Birkenhead, Liverpool and St Helens.

'We are taking every step to ensure the centre is ready as soon as possible, and we expect it to open on September 20.'